Embedding Equity and Anti-Racism in Higher Education

At the University of Waterloo, Gina led a transformative equity and anti-racism agenda as Director of Equity, guiding one of Canada’s largest universities toward systemic change.

She spearheaded the University’s first demographic data collection to ground decisions in evidence and developed an equitable hiring toolkit and training program completed by over 1,000 staff and faculty. Gina also launched the Menstrual Equity Initiative, providing free products in 129 washrooms and addressing stigma related to menstruation.

Building trusting relationships across the institution, Gina helped integrate equity goals into faculty and institutional strategic plans, advised senior leadership on key equity issues, and chaired diverse committees that ensured underrepresented communities had a voice in decisions that impacted their experience.

Her leadership expanded the Equity Office’s budget and staff, and positioned it as a trusted institutional partner. The University’s approach to equity became more data-driven, collaborative, and sustainable, creating lasting impact across campus systems and culture.